HISTORY AND EVOLUTION 49 



Watering. This practice often results 

 in more harm than good. During periods 

 of drought it may be advisable to apply 

 water. If so, apply liberally so that the 

 soil is thoroughly soaked. It is also im- 

 portant to remember that having begun 

 to water, it is necessary to keep it up until 

 the rains come. Two or three applications 

 a week will probably be required. 



Mulching. A mulch of thoroughly 

 rotted manure around the plants will as- 

 sist in lessening the effects of a drought; 

 or if water is also applied, the mulch will 

 enable the plants to get the benefit of it 

 by preventing rapid evaporation. 



DispoDDiNG. A long period of bloom 

 cannot be had unless the seed-pods are 

 consistently picked off. Even the best cul- 

 tural methods go for naught unless this 

 operation is given careful attention. The 

 importance of watering has been over em- 



